The E minor chord contains E – G – B (Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th). Standard open position: 022000. It appears in E minor (i), G major (iii), A minor (v).
Character & Sound
Deep, resonant, and emotionally intense — Em is arguably the easiest chord on guitar (only two fingers) yet one of the most expressive. Its six-string voicing gives it a rich, orchestral quality.
Rock, metal, folk, classical. Em is the vi chord in G major and the i chord in E minor — two of the most common guitar keys. The Em–C–G–D progression appears in hundreds of songs.
The parallel chord is E major — same root, major 3rd instead of minor. Compare them side by side in the Chord Finder.
How to Play the E Minor Guitar Chord
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. All other strings ring open. Strum all six strings. This is often the very first chord beginners learn.
Songs That Use Em
- "Nothing Else Matters" – Metallica
- "Wish You Were Here" – Pink Floyd
- "Black" – Pearl Jam
- "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" – Led Zeppelin
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
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Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E minor chord?
The E minor chord contains E – G – B (root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th).
How do you play E minor on guitar?
022000 — middle on 2nd fret A, ring on 2nd fret D. All other strings ring open. Strum all six strings.
What keys use the E minor chord?
Em appears in E minor (i), G major (vi), and C major (iii).
Is E minor the easiest guitar chord?
It's often considered the easiest — only two fingers are needed, placed on the same fret, and all remaining strings ring open.